Smithsonian Homepage
Welcome
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex.
Join us on a voyage of discovery. Explore our vast digital resources and learn online.
Plan Your Visit
View guides for the Smithsonian's 17 free DC-area museums and zoo—plus two museums in NYC. Admission is free at all locations except the Cooper Hewitt in NYC. Find out what's on and learn about our events and exhibitions.
Featured
Explore collections, stories, and research from across the Smithsonian.
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Smithsonian Open Access
Digital Backgrounds
Put yourself in the scene! Download high-res images to use as your video meeting or desktop background. -
![A pen with a black plastic grip and a clear plastic body, with [THE PRESIDENT- THE WHITE HOUSE] printed in white ink.](/sites/default/files/styles/grid/public/snapshots/nmaahc-4e89dbe04ee92_5001_civil_rights_act_1964_pen.jpg?h=a4c21278&itok=SyKf3KUZ)
Smithsonian Snapshot
An Important Pen in Civil Rights History
This pen was used by President Lyndon Johnson to sign the Civil Rights Act of 1964 on July 2, 1964.
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Smithsonian Snapshot
Thomas Jefferson's Desk
In 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence on this portable desk.
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Smithsonian Snapshot
Relics of a Pivotal, Calamitous Battle
These relics commemorate the bloodiest single battle on American soil.
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Smithsonian Snapshot
We Hold These Truths To Be Self-Evident
The Declaration of Independence is a foundational American document.
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Smithsonian Quiz
Go Fourth and Test Your Smarts
Put your Independence Day knowledge to the test with this Smithsonian quiz. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
1925: A Year in the Collections
Look back one hundred years into the Smithsonian's collections. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue
The Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, the Star-Spangled Banner—the American flag in our collections. -
Around the Smithsonian
Mysteries of the Universe
Beginning with studies of our sun in 1890, the Smithsonian has been answering questions about our atmosphere and beyond. -
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
America's National Parks: Stewardship and Wonder
Explore a selection of stunning landscape paintings, photographs, and postage stamps that celebrate America's natural wonders. -
Smithsonian Story
Six Animals the Smithsonian Has Helped Save from Extinction
Conservation efforts help bring endangered species back from the brink.
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Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Freedom of the Press
Explore news media and journalism–related collection items from across the Smithsonian.
Sidedoor Podcast
The Smithsonian's flagship podcast sneaks you through the side door to learn the stories you won't find anywhere else.
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Sidedoor Podcast
Right Stuff, Wrong Sex
Sidedoor explores what became of America’s first female astronaut candidates.
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Sidedoor Podcast
The Whole Truth
Much of what we know about Sojourner Truth is fiction. Turns out, the whole Truth is even better than fiction.
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Sidedoor Podcast
Monkeyin' Around on the Devil's Island
Follow along on a search for the elusive and rambunctious capuchin monkey on an island in the Pacific.
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Sidedoor Podcast
The 'Gentle Anarchy' of the Muppets
Conserving the history of Jim Henson's Muppets.
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Membership
Keep the Smithsonian thriving by becoming a member today.
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Magazine
Smithsonian magazine places a Smithsonian lens on the world.
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Channel
Award-winning programming exploring science, nature, history, and pop culture.
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Shop
Your purchase helps the Smithsonian bring exciting learning experiences to everyone.
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Travel
Over 350 tours and cruises to all seven continents. Let the journey begin.